I was meant to be a teacher. My mom was one, and several others in the family tree going back to the 1500’s were teachers. One was a preacher in 1555 and he was burned at the stake for it! At least I know the power of using your voice and what it has cost so many historically. We live in a jacked up world, and problems don’t solve themselves. Every student I teach has a voice, and with that voice comes the right and privilege to use that voice to make their world a better place. If you boil down everything I teach, it’s two things. First, it’s critical thinking to figure out why is the world the way that it is and how is it trying to change you. Second, it’s how can you use your voice to make a difference. That’s all I am here to do. And there is nothing else I would rather be doing.
My journey as a researcher has been interesting. Some of the jobs and positions I have held didn’t care if I ever did any research or not because teaching was my primary job. I have kept teaching as my primary job, but have been able to write up a few conference papers, a few GIFTS (Great Ideas For Teaching Students) papers, an edited volume, and a few journal articles. I’m currently working on helping rewrite a textbook that is keeping me occupied. All of my substantial research is on this website and is open for discussion!
Over a decade ago, I built the Alabama Communication Association with Brett Lunceford, Sherry Ford, and Jason Edward Black. Since then, I have put a tremendous amount of time and resources into trying to learn as much as I could about running an academic association at the state level. I have collected dozens of speakers for dozens of panels from NCA to SSCA to several state associations. I am now in the process of collecting all of my notes to create a manual for how to build, maintain, and grow an academic state association. When I am finished, you will find it on this website.
All work and no play make John a dull boy. Well, I have had one passion outside of academia since I was fifteen. I love to play the guitar. Whenever I have needed something in my life, a guitar has always been there. People have come in and out of my life, but my guitars have always been there. I know its weird to have a connection to an inanimate object like that, but I need music.
If you are checking my site out because you are going to be a student of mine, I’m working on a document to help you figure me out. Check back soon.
